I could tell James was glad to be back, although he had been rather red faced and stammered quite a bit when he had dropped off the letters and a number of packages from Will. I had stopped him before he left, a few letters of my own held out to him. "Would you be so kind as to take these to the Vanderbilts? Invitations to my birthday party, and there's one for you as well."

James had gladly slipped away to their house, and I had amused myself with unwrapping my presents from Will. He had sent over some birthday gifts, although part of me thought he was had gone a bit insane. The hat, a flat little thing with a puffball in the middle, was rather adorable if a bit ridiculous, but it would be fun to wear to a party. The gloves he sent fit perfectly over my hands, and I decided that I would wear them with my tartan sometime for the holidays.

But what had made me blush was the fact that Will had sent me a number of obscene chemises that he must have been drunk to have thought of! And that he all but asked me to send him a number of racy pictures of myself wearing them. I mean, I wouldn't be as bare as I had been in the pictures I had taken for him before, but it almost felt more indecent. I had tried them on, after dismissing Louise and making sure that Mother wasn't going to come into my dressing room on a whim, and I had found myself shivering when I saw myself in the mirror.

The lace hid nothing, and the fabric between it was so sheer I could practically see the color of my skin through it. I immediately wanted my dressing gown, but forced myself to try on the others. But each one seemed almost worst, and after the last I found the most conservative dress I owned and buttoned myself into it.

It wasn't that I didn't want to send Will more pictures of myself, but he already had some! And I was wearing far less, why couldn't my husband be content with those? I liked to consider myself a respectable woman of morals, at least outside of my marital bed, and if Mother caught me with these or the letter from Will, oh I would be back under lock and key at the Fifth Avenue house! I hastily crammed the chemises into the hatbox with my other filthy items, deciding to think about it later.

But for now, I was focused on the small birthday party I'd been planning. The thought of a large party made me uncomfortable, despite the fact that Oscar had told me he had heard people speaking positively of me after the costume party. I just didn't want to have so many guests around, and with hosting it here at the dock house, it would mainly be a meal which would lead to conversation.

Which, nowadays, meant talking about the war.

In response, I had limited the guest list, inviting the Vanderbilts, James, the Fields and Sophie. Friends who were aware of the fact that I did not want to talk about the war in the slightest, and had been there to support me through all of this. Mr. Rigby had sniffed at the list, although Peggy had swiftly pointed out that the dock house was her domain and she approved of every person on the list. Mother had had to step in and mollify Mr. Rigby by allowing him to supervise the menu creation for the party.

Then another disagreement had broken out about the decorations. I had wanted something simple, while Mr. Rigby had already given orders for my wedding china, crystal and silver to be washed and polished. Peggy had found me, and I had to endure a tirade about her authority in the household being usurped. It had led to me pinching my nose, "Peggy, you know Mother only brought him over because she's staying here longer."

"I know, I know," She sighed, "But I should have been the one to give the maids orders and they listened to him without even thinking about me!"

"You know they're scared of him." I teased, "He's the scary butler from the fancy house, of course they're going to hop to when he says something."

"Well, what am I left with?"

"The rest of the decorations, I'll tell Mr. Rigby I'm trusting you with the flowers and everything else. Although I would appreciate it if you could try and blend everything together." I had sent her off to the florist, and fortunately things had turned out rather well. Peggy had ignored the ribbons that the florist sometimes sent with their decorations, instead insisting on simple displays and using some of the more embellished crystal to hold them.

All in all, the flowers helped balance out the table quite nicely.

Oscar even commented on it when the Vanderbilts arrived for the party, kissing my cheek. "Oh, those are lovely. Quite an elegant arrangement."

I smirked, "You would not believe what I had to do to get things settled for this."

"Oh, now that I would quite like to hear." He teased, rolling his eyes back at his sister. "It's bound to be better than nothing but wedding plans."

"They haven't settled everything?"

"They're onto the music now, fortunately Mother already booked the orchestra." He handed me down into a chair, my blush rose colored skirt swirling over my legs and the gold beads catching the light.

I rolled my eyes as Liz immediately made her way over to the Victrola, Moira following her. "I have a feeling we're going to get a discussion on it here."

"Start talking so they won't play anything." Oscar begged, collapsing into a chair next to me and groaning as Liz lifted a record. "Please, for the love of God, no more Strauss."

"But the Blue Danube is perfect!" Liz glared at her brother over her shoulder, "James, dance with me, we need to see if this works."

James, who had been speaking quietly to Mother, sighed and stood. "We danced five times already today."

"Please?" Liz simpered, and James smiled as he took her into his arms. Moira quickly had the Victrola cranked up, and the two began to waltz around the room.

Oscar rolled his eyes, "I think she does this to annoy me."

"She probably does." I shrugged, "Any word from Featherstone?"

"You hate the papers, but press me for any bit of gossip." Oscar smirked, "A number of ships set out for the Falklands, they should be arriving soon. Will's isn't among them, so no worry on that front."

"Good." I let out a breath I hadn't been aware of holding. "I'd rather he be bored on his patrols than in danger."

"Oh, he is quite bored." James said quickly as he twirled by. "He says he's always glad for your letters, they help him get through it."

"Then I shall have to make sure to include some surprises in the next batch." I smiled, knowing that everyone else was simply thinking I would write more letters. But knowing that Will needed something more than letters, and that he'd even spoken of it to James, now I would have to assure Mother that I was fine and could live on my own, and then I would have to find a photographer who would not mind making a house visit.

And was discreet.

But that was for another time, for Mr. Rigby gave a deep bow as Sophie stepped past him, coming to bend over and embrace me briefly. "Happy birthday, Anastasia."

"Thank you, Sophie," I returned her squeeze. "No Adam?"

"The poor dear was exhausted after today." She shook her head, smiling. "Rebecca is keeping an eye on him, but I didn't want to miss this."

"Well, I hope you weren't expecting a huge party." I glanced around, "We're just waiting on some family friends, but that's about it for the guests."

"Shockingly," She smirked, "I think I might be alright with that." We spent a few minutes talking about James's dance steps, he had improved considerably since the first time I had seen those two dancing, before Mr. Rigby came to announce the last of our guests.

Morgan completely ignored him, brushing past to come kiss the top of my head. "You look pale."

"Shouldn't I be?" I cocked an eyebrow at her, "Isn't that fashionable?"

"There's a difference between fashionable and getting over a sickness." Morgan looked me up and down. "Although I suppose you do have some color."

"She looks just fine, Mother." Ezekiel rolled his eyes, coming forward to usher her away. "Honestly, you need to stop poking your nose into everything."

"And you need to not lecture your mother." Abraham rumbled, trailed by the rest of his children. The two girls were getting bigger every day, and Ezekiel's brothers had come with their fiancées.

I let Ezekiel walk me to the dining room. "Samantha didn't want to come?"

"She's upset that I'm gone so often after passing my exams." He shrugged, "I'm going to pick up something pretty for her on my next run, to try and smooth things over."

"You don't think she'll leave you?"

"She's too good for that, she's just worried." He handed my down into my chair, although Oscar moved too quickly for him to sit on my right. Ezekiel sighed as he sat to my left, "Much like you when Will first went out."

"I can suggest a few things she might like." Oscar offered, chuckling. "And perhaps foot the bill."

That led to a round of laughter from his parents, who chided him for running through his allowance too quickly, before dinner was presented. Mr. Rigby had apparently insisted on Mrs. Vangerten working with the French chef from Fifth Avenue, for I could hardly identify half the things that were presented by name as he announced them. I did enjoy it though, a warm leek soup, a seafood stew, a roast chicken drenched in butter with lemon and rosemary, a beef roast coated in garlic and thyme, a rack of lamb crusted in nuts and mint, and to end the night a cake drenched in sweetened cream.

Every course was met with moans of delight, and groans that another mouthful would make the person sick, yet by the end of the night the plates were clean and the girls were dozing in their chairs. Mother offered the use of one of the guest rooms so that they could stay longer, and Abe and Morgan saw them upstairs quick enough.

Back in the parlor, I was surprised when Mother brought over a glass of whiskey. "Here, you deserve some on your birthday."

I took it, sipping. "You trust me with it now?"

"Somewhat." She snorted, "Although I'm not sure if you're ready to be on your own again."

I sighed, sitting down on the settee with her. "I'm not ether to be honest, but I think I need to be." I glanced over to her, "It's not that I haven't been glad to have you around, I don't know how I could have done this without you."

"But now you need to be yourself again." Mother nodded, sipping on a glass of sherry. "You will understand if I lay down some rules for you to follow?" At my nod, she continued. "I want you to help Liz with her wedding, go to the offices, and allow the servants to limit how much drink you're provided."

I winced at the last one, but nodded. "I can live with that."

"Then I shall let Peggy know tomorrow that she can stop fighting with Mr. Rigby." Mother smirked, "Although the party did turn out well despite their spat."

"It did, didn't it?" I smiled as Abe and Morgan joined us, trailed by Sophie and the Vanderbilts. Sophie smiled to see Oscar needled Liz about her dancing, insisting that James should dance with each lady present to work on refining his steps even more.

As it was my birthday, he insisted that I be first. I gave James's arm a squeeze as Oscar wound up the Victrola and we began to dance around the parlor, "I hope you don't mind your future brother-in-law."

James chuckled, "I can tell he enjoys teasing her, and for all she complains, I think she enjoys it too."

"I can't wait for the wedding." I pursed my lips, "Did you ask Will about getting leave to come?"

He flinched, his steps faltering for a second. "I did, he wasn't able to get it."

"Oh," I dropped my gaze, "Thank you for asking. It would have been nice."

"It would have." He finished the dance, bowing over my hand and turned to Mother.

It was while Mother was dancing that Sophie moved over, a wrapped package in her hand. "I hope you don't mind that this is actually for Will."

I raised an eyebrow, but opened the package quickly to reveal a pair of binoculars. I peered at the engraving on them, "German?"

"Otto's old pair, he got a new set last year. But he always said how clear they made everything, and I don't know if Will has anything as good." She sat down with a sigh, "I'm sure he does, but I thought it might be a nice thing to give him, to show that I don't have any negative thoughts towards him."

"That's very kind of you." I set the binoculars aside. "Have you had any word?"

She shook her head, "Henry and Zachary have been incredibly angry lately, some of their ships were seized by the British when they tried to break the blockade." But then she smiled, "So I have decided to take a trip and get away, down to Florida where it's warm. I've found a very nice hotel, quite popular with officers from a nearby naval base."

I had to smother my smile. "You're really going?"

"Yes, Rebecca will watch Adam while I take a week for myself." She looked down, twisting her fingers around her wedding ring. "I have to do something for myself, I have to get away from there if only for a little bit."

"Sophie," I leaned over, my voice a whisper. "I hope you find someone who is very caring towards you."

She reached over, squeezing my hand. "So do I, and I shall be closely examining any sailor I come across."

I grinned a bit, "You know, I could give you some advice on things to look for."

"I may have a few ideas in mind," Sophie grinned herself, "I will certainly let you know how it goes when I come back."

"We may have to bring Liz in on that." I muttered, looking over as she glared at Oscar who was critiquing James's steps. "Will says I need to talk to her about what to expect so that she and James have an enjoyable wedding night."

"I wish someone had talked to me about how to enjoy it." Sophie grumbled, but gave a smile when James came to dance with her.

Oscar took her spot, smiling as Liz loudly declared that she was cutting in before James danced with Morgan. "Oh, I haven't had this much fun in a long time."

"Come now Oscar," I rolled my eyes, "We both know you've done anything you could to needle her."

"True, but this has been one of my best ideas." He smirked as Liz glared daggers at him. "I only have a month left before she's gone."

I cocked my head, "She's not staying?"

He hesitated, whispering. "Father is going to makes James an offer, part of which includes their own house."

"Will you miss her?"

He snorted, "Of course I will, but it just means I'll have to go over and bother her as much as I can."

"You could always get your own place." I shrugged, "You're old enough."

"And I hate being by myself." He wrinkled his nose, "And speaking of that, I don't want you and your mother spending Christmas by yourself. Why don't you both come join us? You can stay through the New Year and go home after the wedding."

I gave him a smile, "You know, I think that would be lovely. I'll get Mother to agree, I'm sure she will love it."

James was having a bad day. His last crossing before the wedding was delayed by a storm, and when the Vanderbilt maid had brought him his breakfast, he had hardly eaten after he had seen the paper. And when Liz had asked him what was wrong later, he had snapped at her.

He'd apologized immediately, but it had left him feeling utterly wretched.

So, he wasn't surprised when Richard's valet had found him and said that Mr. Vanderbilt would like to see him immediately. James prepared himself for a dressing down, which he deserved to be quite frank. When he entered Richard's office he stood at attention, eyes straight ahead. "You asked to see me, Mr. Vanderbilt?"

The older man chuckled. "You know you can call me Richard, James."

"I know, sir."

"You can relax, son, I'm not here to punish you." Richard's eyes narrowed, "Although if you speak to my daughter like that again, I'm afraid this engagement will be over."

James swallowed, "It won't happen again, sir. I was upset, I didn't mean to hurt her."

"I know," Richard nodded to the chair, waiting until James sat to continue. "I wasn't aware of what had happened either, not until I saw the papers. I take it you have family there?"

James swallowed. "All of my family lives in Scarborough."

"I'll have someone run to the wireless office and inquire after them." Richard shook his head, "I never thought the Germans would shell a town like that. Or that the British would let them that close."

"I didn't either." He looked down. "I, I hope my family is alright. They live inland, somewhat, so they probably are fine."

"I'm sure they are."

"But I probably know some that aren't."

Richard's voice hardened. "I will pray that everyone you know is alright, and I can have people inquire after them." His fingers tapped on the desk, "But I can't have you running off and leaving my daughter here, alone."

"Sir-"

"You've seen Mrs. Murdoch." Richard cut him off. "I refuse to see Liz like that."

James pursed his lips. "You're referring to the agreement."

"I am." Richard pulled open a drawer, drawing a piece of paper out and laying it on the desk. "You need to sign it, James."

James let his eyes rove over it, seeing the clauses that would forbid him from joining the Royal Navy, prevent him from assisting directly in the war effort, restrict him from his work if Germans started torpedoing American ships. All in exchange for not having to worry about his finances ever again and a plum house not too far from this one.

He knew Richard had mentioned something about a house as a wedding present to Liz, for she had begun looking at paint and decorations, furniture that she had always been eyeing but hadn't had space for in her rooms. But Liz didn't know what it would cost him, and for a moment he wished he had been in the Reserves.

He wanted to fight, he wanted to go and do something, even if he got assigned to boring patrols like Will, at least he'd be there. He wouldn't be avoiding war in the lap of luxury while his family was in danger, his friends getting killed.

Richard nudged the contract towards him. "James, I can add on incentives if need be. Your family, I can see them brought over for the wedding and put up here until the war is over if they agree to it. I can give you our yacht and you can captain it, I've been thinking about a new one anyway." A pen was set beside it, "But I need you to sign it. I refuse to allow the wedding until you do."

A flame of anger curled in James's gut. "Really, Richard, you'd make me elope with Liz?"

"There would be no eloping." Richard growled, "I would have my daughter guarded night and day to prevent it. Either you sign this, or you will not marry her." His next words were a whisper. "I will not see my daughter a widow before her first anniversary."

James felt his hand twitch, moving towards the pen. Liz, beautiful Liz, with her chestnut curls spread around and her blue eyes wide when she had allowed him to open her shirtwaist. He'd kissed every inch of her that he could reach that day, not believing that his life had led him here. A stunning woman who wanted him as her husband, her touch loving when he had laid next to her.

He had no duty to fight, he had not agreed beforehand, and he had her waiting for him.

He heard Richard give a sigh of relief when he gripped the pen tightly and signed his name, "Thank you, James."

James capped the pen, setting it down with a bit too much force. "You will allow me to keep working?"

"So long as American ships aren't targeted." Richard slid the contract back into his desk. "I'll have my agent purchase the house. You and Liz can go over tomorrow and discuss what you'd like to do with the place."

James stood stiffly, "Richard, please, my family."

"I'll have word sent immediately to find them and get them over here."

"I'm going to so see Liz; I feel as if I should apologize again."

"You probably should." Richard smiled, "But I'm sure she'd forgive you anyway, she does love you after all."